The Final Four Showdown

On April 6, 2025, the Houston Cougars pulled off what many are calling one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA Tournament history. Down by six points against the Duke Blue Devils with less than thirty seconds remaining, Houston’s Emanuel Sharp and J’wan Roberts made clutch plays that turned the tide and secured a pivotal 70-67 victory, sending them to the National Championship game.

The Dramatic Final Moments

The game was intense, with Duke looking in control as they built a substantial lead. They were ahead 34-28 at halftime and pushed their margin to 59-45 midway through the second half. However, things took a turn as they struggled against Houston’s relentless defense.

L.J. Cryer was a key player for the Cougars, scoring 26 points throughout the game. His leadership combined with Sharp’s late-game heroics including crucial free throws propelled Houston to victory.

As Cooper Flagg of Duke attempted a fadeaway shot in the final seconds, it bounced off the rim, signaling a change of fortunes for both teams. Flagg’s missed shot proved to be a crucial moment in the game.

Houston’s Resilience Shines Through

Despite a challenging start where they only managed four points in the first four minutes, the Cougars showed incredible resilience. Their dedication on defense ultimately opened the path for their offense to find its rhythm as the game progressed.

After being down big, Houston executed an impressive 25-8 run in the final moments of the game, showcasing the team’s grit and determination. Their win is a testament to their hard work this season, returning to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 1984.